Asda has appointed Stephen Smith as its chief marketing officer as Rick Bendel leaves to take on a worldwide marketing role for Walmart.
Smith joined Walmart in July 2011 as chief marketing officer in China, having spent 10 years working with the Delhaize Group in North America and Belgium.
He will begin his the new role in May.
Asda president and chief executive officer Andy Clarke said he was delighted Smith’s expertise would be put to use in the UK.
“I’ve been an admirer of Steve’s work at overseas Delhaize retail brands such as Sweetbay, Hannaford and Delhaize Le Lion, for many years and I’m certain he’ll be a valuable addition to the Asda executive team,” he said.
Clarke said Bendel’s move to take on a broader project-based role for Walmart came at the “perfect time” and he would leave a “legendary” legacy at the company.
“Because this is a time of strength for Asda, it now seems the perfect time for Rick to do more to help shape Walmart’s worldwide marketing efforts and embark on the next exciting phase of his career.
“Few people in the history of our business have loved and understood Asda as well as Rick. His empathy for customers is equalled only by his advocacy for colleagues, and his ability to bring that alive through story-telling will be legendary for generations to come.”
